What’s Your Preference?

ressalg · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 03:36 PM

I had some spare time and started looking back at some of my previous astrophotography efforts and thought I do some sharing. And kind of show the learning process along the way.

Decemeber '07 I got my first telescope in order to finally pursue a long time interest in astronomy. Little did I realize that it would lead me to pursue another long time interest in photography.

In February '08 I thought I'd set up my Minolta Dimage z10 on a tripod and see if I could get any shots of the lunar eclipse. I had read a little bit about the settings I'd need to use and I was concerned that the little P&S wouldn't be up to the task. I was surprised at how decent they actually turned out. I didn't do anything with them at the time but having learned a few thing about Photoshop I put together this montage:

By May '08 I had my new scope (one that would track the sky) and a USB camera that would fit into the focuser of the telescope so I could take pictures of the moon and planets. Basically it's a glorified web-cam. You take an .avi film which you later process through a stacking program. It selects the best frames and then processes them to bring out detail. My first target was something that never fails to "Wow the audience." Whether it's a picture or actually through the eyepiece.

December '08 saw the purchase of my first DSLR specifically for taking astrophotos. After getting used to the camera I set it on a tripod and tried a startrail... something I'd always thought was cool. I set the camera for a 15 minute exposure and then had to process out the light pollution but it still showed me the new potential. If I could take a picture like this with a lens, what would I be able to capture through the telescope.

I would soon find out when a normally bland comet had a bit of an unexpected outburst. With a little bit of planning and a lot of luck (weather-wise) I was able to capture it as it passed by one of several other celestial objects. Comet Lulin is at the top and the planetary nebula (a star in it's death-throws), known as The Eskimo Nebula, is the fuzzy blue spot near the bottom.

This led me to the purchase of my third scope and a new mount to track the sky as well as all the other necessary equipment to take long exposures. I've already posted some pictures I've taken with that setup and I know I've still got alot to learn. But things can only get better. I hope you enjoyed this trip through my learning experiences.

leonaashlee · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 03:47 PM

Wow! That's all I can say.

Judi · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 03:57 PM

Those are great!

beachcomber · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:08 PM

I know I've still got alot to learn, but things can only get better, I hope you enjoyed this trip through my learning experiences.

It's a journey, not a destination.
A fascinating selection of pictures and commentary. I enjoyed your post ressalg, and thanks for taking the trouble putting it all together, excellent job

beach

mpascal · #5 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:36 PM

I read you explanation of the wow Jupiter shot, and it did'nt even hit me as what to expect, then I scrolled down and shouted WOW, cause I did not expect to see that shot, I can understand your explanation now. Great shots, very good description, and WOW.

Michael

Silverz · #6 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:45 PM

Great post. Some amazing images there.

I have always wanted a telescope of my own but they are unfortunately out of my price range so for now I am happy looking at images like this

WVCoalMiner · #7 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 06:38 PM

ressalg, I just got my T-Mount for my cannon XSi and my In-Laws are bringing me a telescope down from thier mountain cabin in the next few weeks so I can get started in astrophotography. Hopefully I'll have some pics up in the not too distant future.

ressalg · #8 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leonaashlee

Wow! That's all I can say.

Well, you could say more but if you're half as long winded as I am we'd be here all day. Thanks for looking and glad you enjoyed them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judi

Those are great!

Thanks so much for looking and commenting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachcomber

I know I've still got alot to learn, but things can only get better, I hope you enjoyed this trip through my learning experiences.

It's a journey, not a destination.
A fascinating selection of pictures and commentary. I enjoyed your post ressalg, and thanks for taking the trouble putting it all together, excellent job

beach

Glad you enjoyed the post. It was a bit of a pain to put it together but it's all a labour of love.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpascal

I read you explanation of the wow Jupiter shot, and it did'nt even hit me as what to expect, then I scrolled down and shouted WOW, cause I did not expect to see that shot, I can understand your explanation now. Great shots, very good description, and WOW.

Michael

Thanks for looking at my post. Not to be a stick in the mud but... it's actually Saturn, not Jupiter. Easy mistake considering how much Jupiter's been in the news lately.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverz

Great post. Some amazing images there.

I have always wanted a telescope of my own but they are unfortunately out of my price range so for now I am happy looking at images like this

You might be surprised at how inexpensive a good telescope can be these days. Some are less than your average camera lens. My first one cost me about $500 CND. The second one, that could track the sky, was less than $1000. However, my latest setup is a little more expensive than that.

But, I'll be posting lots more in the future so you can definately live vicariously through me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WVCoalMiner

ressalg, I just got my T-Mount for my cannon XSi and my In-Laws are bringing me a telescope down from thier mountain cabin in the next few weeks so I can get started in astrophotography. Hopefully I'll have some pics up in the not too distant future.

Excellent... always happy to see someone else get the bug.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to drop me a line. Best of luck and here's hoping you always have clear skies.

jack russell · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 11:21 PM

I'm sitting here reconsidering joining the LOML and the little guy as they head off camping tuesday .. nice skys, but the bed... ugh .. great series with detail and dialogue to support ..thx!